Kenyas athletic landscape is undergoing a surge in activity, fueled by a substantial infusion of funds from the wagering sector. The Athletic Endowment, established to cultivate sporting aptitude and acknowledge achievements, has amassed an impressive 322.9 million US dollars (48.2 billion Kenyan Shillings) in the preceding five years.
This financial boon, unprecedented in Kenyan athletics, is already yielding tangible results. The majority of the funds, a significant 65%, are being directly invested in enhancing training infrastructure and providing assistance to athletes nationwide. An additional 30% is allocated to community advancement initiatives, while the arts and cultural sphere are receiving a much-needed 5% increase.
Minister Ababu Namwamba, addressing a Senate inquiry session, lauded the initiative as transformative, emphasizing its influence on sports, the arts, and societal progress.
Pulse Athletics News indicates that Kenya’s administration has launched a financial incentive scheme to acknowledge and encourage outstanding accomplishments by its sportspeople. Athletes shattering global records will now get a hefty 5 million Kenyan shillings!
Among the initial beneficiaries of this program are the remarkable Faith Kipyegon and Kelvin Kiptum. Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba proudly declared, “The administration has substantially boosted the rewards for medalists; gold, silver, and bronze winners will now receive 3 million, 2 million, and 1 million Kenyan shillings correspondingly.”